The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief, Pahlaj Nihalani, has stirred up a hornet's nest by calling for censorship on television. He recently said that many TV shows, especially crime-based ones like Crime Patrol and Savdhaan India, are “crossing limits“ by showing the most gruesome and heinous crimes in graphic detail.

He added, “Why are filmmakers required to get a new censor certification for their films to be shown on television when the rest of the content made especially for television gets to go on air unchecked? This free flow of content in television must stop. It's affecting the natural psychological development of young minds. Parents are worried.“

Nihalani's statement has met with unanimous opposition from the television industry, which argues that there's already an effective mechanism of self-censorship in place. As actress Pooja Gor, who has also hosted a segment of Savdhaan India, observes, “For years now, TV content has been in tune with what is acceptable to family audiences. In fact, it's the only medium that is already producing filtered content because of its vast reach. And that's precisely why movies have to be certified before being telecast and not shows. As far as crime shows are concerned, the portrayal of incidents is very realistic. These gruesome and heinous crimes have happened in reality - women have been raped and brutal murders have happened. Restricting content on crime shows is not going to change reality. At least, the said shows are conveying a message of caution to the people.“

SELF-REGULATION: THE KEYWORD
TV producers, too, echo Pooja's opinion. Producer Yash Patnaik, who shot a 'kissing scene' between the lead couple of his show Jana Na Dil Se Door, says that while Nihalani is entitled to his opinion, he can't generalise the medium.

Yash adds, “We are a free country and the audience has every right to decide what they want to watch. The TV fraternity is extremely responsible when compared to other mediums. Both producers and broadcasters follow the SNP (Standard Norm Practice) diligently. We don't air foul language, nudity and violence the way other mediums do. Just as censorship is expected on what we show, there also needs to be restraint on what we talk on public forums. It's extremely irresponsible of anyone to generalise the medium and degrade it. Let's have some respect and dignity.“

Sudhir Sharma, who has produced shows like Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha and Baawre, adds, “There is already a lot of pressure on us. We are answerable to our broadcasters and viewers. If another body jumps in to dictate terms, that will be the end of creative freedom on television. We don't need more advice on how to make shows and which lines to not overstep.“

Now, the question arises that despite makers being conscious about the content they dish out on the small screen, is there a body regulating it? Every broadcaster has an SNP team keeping a close tab on the content airing on their respective channels. The makers are expected to adhere to the norms and regulations set by these teams. Director-turned-producer Ravindra Gautam, whose show Meri Durga is currently on air, informs, “TV content is monitored by the channel's SNP team, which makes sure that it adheres to all the self-regulatory content guidelines laid down by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF). Any complaint regarding the content can be made to the Broadcast Content Complaint Council (BCCC).“

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH ON TV?
Ravindra says, “TV should get as bold as society. However, ironically, we are still in the 70s' saas-bahu zone. That's the reason the medium finds it difficult to resonate with the youth. That's also the reason why web series are attracting more youngsters. Bold doesn't just mean sex; it's also about the mindset. We live in an era when we are abhorred for showing a consummation scene after marriage. An actress fears such a scene could be the death knell for her career. In fact, TV needs to get bolder or it will seem regressive. We need to introspect why the youth is more hooked on to the internet and web series. That's because we don't explore unconventional content on TV. The government and the channels should be supportive.“

BOLD ONLY POST 10
Actor Ronit Roy, who has dabbled in both films and TV , says that he believes censorship begins at home. He says, “I don't know about other people's houses. but in my home, we guide our children on what to watch and what not to. Anyway, the bold shows, which have adult content, like Bigg Boss, are broadcast after that time. And in my opinion, it is right because children should be asleep by that time.“

In the past, there have been several instances of broadcasters being summoned by the BCCC for going bold. A representative of the channel is summoned by the body to address and answer viewers' complaints and queries regarding the content. Producer Vikas Gupta says, “I had shot a kiss between two members of the same sex, but the channel didn't approve of it. They were of the opinion that it might get into a legal wrangle and also hurt sentiments of the audience.“

He adds, “Yes, we do produce risqué content, but that's aired after 10 pm when kids are asleep. I wouldn't know why Mr Nihalani has made a statement like that, because we already have a strong censorship system in place. We are answerable to our broadcasters and there are strict rules in place. Unlike movies, where a Befikre can have several kisses but a James Bond film can't, the rules are uniform on television. Also, we run tickers when such shows are aired, so that people can share their opinion with us. TV doesn't need another body interfering with what we show. It doesn't need to be censored anymore than it already is.“

CRIME-BASED SHOWS ARE NOT JUST FOR ENTERTAINMENT
Nihalani's major grievance is with crime-based shows airing on TV currently. He said, “Television soaps, reality shows and crime shows are crossing all limits. Shows like Crime Patrol and Savdhaan India show the most gruesome and heinous crimes in graphic detail. Real-life people are named in the fictional recreation of crime stories. Women are raped in incestuous attacks, housewives and minor girls are shown to be violated. If the same content was shown in any film, we at the CBFC, would have to clamp down heavily on the content.“

Annup Sonii, who hosts Crime Patrol, rebukes this claim and says, “The medium follows certain thumb rules while making the content. I can vouch that the team of the show has never crossed the line. Even the graphic details are mostly symbolic. This is something that's happening around us. The motive behind recreating these incidents is to inform people that crime is not a solution. Ramayan mein agar Ravan nahi dikhaayenge toh Ram ki achhai ka kaise pata chalega? Also, censorship is equally vested in the hands of viewers, who, if offended by any content, can stop watching it. That will be signal enough for the broadcaster and the channel to pull up their socks and look into what they are dishing out. We are anyway adhering to strong censorship values and don't need another body intervening in our creativity.“

Sushant Singh, the host of Savdhaan India, adds, “I would like to say that the age of censorship is over. It's a lost battle.What next? Ban the internet? What we show on these shows is the harsh reality - minors getting raped, crimes being committed by close relatives... We can't turn a blind eye to something that's happening around us. Will clamping down the portrayal bring down these incidents? On the contrary, a number of victims have gathered courage to report about the injustice done to them due to the message that our show conveys. The only way to curb crime is by raising your voice and fighting back.“

NO NEED FOR FURTHER CENSORSHIP: SHABANA AZMI
In response to Nihalani's comment on censoring TV content, Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi, who is part of BCCC, says, “At present, there is a BCCC board that addresses the complaints made by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry and public. It has members from within the industry and fields of social science, including representatives from women's, minorities' and children's commissions headed by Justice Mudgal. I have been on board since its inception and know how it works well. It comprises a liberal and sensitive group of people and there has always been complete compliance from the con tent team whenever the BCCC has objected to something. The council has held interactive workshops with creative teams in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata to sensitise them and hear their compulsions. It works well and should continue. There is no need for further censorship.“

FILMS GIVEN MORE LEEWAY THAN TV
Actor Ram Kapoor, who generated quite a buzz following a kissing sequence with his co-actor Sakshi Tanwar on the TV show Bade Acche Laggte Hain five years ago, says, “I am baffled by this man's statement. What is he talking about? Doesn't he know that TV is censored anyway? I am currently doing a web series and I've never experienced this kind of creative freedom on TV. We ponder over everything multiple times before airing it on the small screen because it's viewed by families. It's morally right to restrict the content on TV and channels are aware of the norms that they need to follow. If there is any decline in the viewership owing to offensive content, it would mean decreased ratings and no channel would want that. Forget risqué content, a kiss between Sakshi and me created such an uproar; that should be enough for Nihalani to know that TV follows stringent guidelines. We can't afford to hurt people.“

While the unofficial ban on Pakistani artistes working in India -imposed in the wake of the Uri attack last year - continues, actress Sara Khan recently faced the brunt of the tension between the two countries. Sara, who has been shuttling between India and Pakistan for the shoot of her second television show Lekin across the border, was forced to stay back in Karachi for a week, after the authorities there refused to issue her an NOC to fly back to her own country. The Pak officials, sources say, told the actress that their action was in retaliation to Mahira Khan being banned from promoting her Bollywood debut, Raees, in India.

Says a source close to the actress, “Sara was scheduled to return on March 28. However, there were no flights available to India for the next two days, which forced her to extend her stay. When she approached the immigration counter at Karachi airport on March 30, the staff recognised her. They then cited Mahira's example and said, 'Remember how Mahira was treated by your people? How can we let you go so easily, especially when the equation between the two countries is so critical?', After she pleaded with them, they relented, but delayed issuing the NOC by a week. It was quite scary.“

The actress went back to her hotel and spent the next one week getting her paperwork done. She finally returned to India on Wednesday evening and directly reported on the set of the show, Jaana Na Dil Se Door.

Yash Patnaik, the producer of the show, claims that his team waited with bated breath for her to return. When she didn't, he even contemplated replacing her since her entry was to be telecast on March 31. He says, “Sara was supposed to start shooting with us from March 30, but she was unable to fly back home. My team was constantly in touch with her. Seems, she was reminded about Mahira's case multiple times. Fortunately, she flew back on Wednesday night.“

On her part, all that Sara is willing to say is, “There is speculation that I was arrested in Pakistan, but that's not true. There was no restriction on my movement and I was not ill-treated. In fact, they were quite courteous. But yes, the delay did inconvenience me as I had to commence the shoot of my new soap in India. After this incident, I would like to assert that East or West, India's the best.“

After expressing his anguish over the poor treatment meted out to his character Astika in Nagarjuna - Ek Yoddha, Nikitin Dheer quit the show 10 days ago. However, the actor and producer Yash Patnaik seem to have resolved the issue. While Nikitin remained unavailable for comment, a source associated with the show tells us, “Nikitin quit the show as the makers didn't utilise his dates alloted for the shoot. All his issues have been addressed and he would re-enter post the Mahabharat track in September. After his last day of the shoot (which was August 13), he shaved his beard and changed his hairstyle. He will sport a stubble now.“ 

-----------------------------

Dheer returns to Nagarjuna - Ek Yoddha three weeks after he walked out in a huff and blamed production house for “ murdering” his character, Astika
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; August 23, 2016)

Nikitin Dheer yesterday shot for a promo of his comeback on Nagarjuna - Ek Yoddha, three weeks after he stormed out of the mythological fantasy show. He left the show, saying he felt cheated as the makers reduced him to “just another character” overnight and did not allow him to take up other offers although he was barely shooting for a few days every month. Now, he’s back after a meeting meeting with the production house.

Producer Yash Patnaik admits, “Yes, Nikitin is back on the show. I was upset with him after reading what he had reportedly said. Later, he came to my office and said he did not intend to hurt me. He claimed he was unaware how the TV industry functions. But, he said he felt at home with the production house and did not want this [decision to quit] to affect his equation with me.” Adds Patnaik, “His father, Pankaj Dheer, and uncle, Satluj Dheer, are old friends of mine. I have been in the industry for over two decades and understand an actor’s mindset. We sat down, talked things out and decided to take him back — as long as he is keen to work and does not carry a baggage. We have invested heavily in his character, Astika. It was and shall remain a key character in Nagarjuna.” Nikitin chose not to comment and maintained an "all is well that ends well” stance.

Incidentally, his wife, Kratika Sengar, will also return to Kasam Tere Pyar Ki. After a time leap, she had quit the drama as her character was killed. Though producer Ekta Kapoor cast Shivani Tomar as the protagonist Tanuja, the dipping TRPs made her bring Kratika back on the show.

Even under perfect conditions, canning 260 episodes in a year is a Herculean task. So, it is not surprising that telly producers have finally decided to crack the whip on errant actors and crew members. From reporting late to chewing tobacco and smoking, all bad habits are 'punishable offences' under their new policy. If this reminds you of that strict teacher in school, well, that's because some rules and penalties are actually straight out of the class room. Read on...

NO COMPROMISE ON PUNCTUALITY
Setting a bench-mark: Vikas Gupta, the producer of Warrior High, feels monetary fines won't pinch actors, as most are paid handsomely. So, he penalises latecomers by making them stand on a bench for 10 minutes. He says, “Fines are not taken seriously by actors. Since my show has a college as its backdrop, I decided to come up with a punishment that will take my team back to its student days.“

The timetable trick: Producer Sunjoy Waddhwa has opted to rely on an age old practice - setting a timetable - to boost his team's productivity. Be it working hours or breaks, everything has a fixed timing. Copies of the timetable have been put up around the set. He says, “This will instil a sense of punctuality, thus enhancing our production and creative values.“


TOBACCO-FREE SETS
For the sake of a healthier work environment, many makers are enforcing the anti-tobacco rule. Producers Rajan Shahi, Yash Patnaik, Sunjoy Waddhwa and Sumeet Mittal have banned unhealthy habits like chewing tobacco, gutka, pan masala containing tobacco, cigarettes, etc - on the sets of their shows. Violators are fined Rs 100. Actress Shraddha Arya, currently seen in Dream Girl, says, “Statistics prove that 50% people who chew tobacco die from the health hazards caused by it. I am proud of this initiative by the producers. If it dissuades even five people from consuming tobacco, it's great.“ Rajan adds, “A show belongs to the entire team and so, a positive and healthy environment is everyone's responsibility. Smoking is not entertained on my sets. Apart from its obvious health hazards, there is also the risk of it causing fire. All rules are decided unanimously and applicable on all. It is never an individual's decision.“

Yash says, “We strongly believe in maintaining discipline, decorum and hygiene on our sets. Cigarettes and other tobacco-based products have been a complete no-no for years. Our cast and crew don't even need to be reminded about it anymore.“

BAN ON VANITY VAN
To ensure maximum utilisation of time, Vikas has barred his actors from retiring into their vanity vans in between shots. “The to and fro between vanity vans and sets consumes a lot of time. So, actors are not allowed to return to their rooms till the whole scene is captured. This also helps them stay connected to the character,“ he says.

AN EXPENSIVE 'RING'
Chatting on phone can turn out to be an expensive affair on Sumeet's sets. If anyone, including him, is found with a ringing/vibrating phone at work, he/she has to treat the whole unit to sumptuous food. Actress Shraddha has ended up treating the entire unit to lavish meals on several occasions. She says, “I often forget to switch my phone off or keep it on silent mode. But after a few expensive treats, I have now learnt my lesson.“

Producer Rajan Shahi also fines team members Rs 500 every time someone's mobile phone rings in between shots.

POINTS FORFEITED
Recently, lack of discipline cost celebrity participants of dance reality show Nach Baliye some precious points. Judge Preity Zinta was seriously miffed when participants started disappearing during the shoot, causing delays and panic. She decided to penalise the erring couples by deducting two points from their score.